What’s In My Diaper Bag?

While I was pregnant with Leo, I frequently browsed through Pinterest for guidance on what I should pack in my diaper bag. Once Leo was born, I quickly learned that each parent packs their diaper bag according to their individual baby’s needs. I’d like to think that my husband and I are very practical people – so, I don’t like to buy or carry around items that I know we don’t need.

Below is a glimpse of the essentials that I carry in my bag for Leo.

*My diaper bag is a Kate Spade tote bag that I received as a gift. It is very spacious and contains two side pockets, two small inside pockets, one large inside pocket, and one zippered pocket.

Diapering

Diapers – Pampers and Huggies are the preferred brands in our household. I usually aim to carry a minimum of (5) depending on how long my trip out of the house will be. Huggies seem softer and more comfortable for Leo while Pampers has the advantage of the “wetness” indicator, which really helps when we’re on-the-go.

Wipes – While I would love to splurge on Water Wipes, Pampers Sensitive wipes are the second best choice. Since these wipes are made for sensitive skin, they are extremely soft and gentle enough to use on Leo’s hands and face for quick clean-ups.

Barrier Creams – A good diaper rash or barrier cream is essential for those times when you think you’ll be unable to quickly change a diaper. Barrier creams work by providing a layer between Leo’s tush and the moisture from a wet diaper. We use an inexpensive petroleum jelly from Dollar Tree and/or a zinc oxide cream to prevent diaper rash.

Changing Pad – A changing pad is a must for diaper changes on-the-go. You never know when you’ll need to change a diaper in the event that a changing table is unavailable – even still, the changing pad on top of the table provides that extra security of protection from germs. Luckily, my diaper bag came with one – but, here is one that we use for various changes around the house, which also comes with a pocket for diapers and wipes.

Extra Accessories – There are a few extra accessories for diaper changes that I also recommend. These are not necessarily essentials – but, I have found that they really are an added benefit.

Baby Bum Brush – Applying a barrier cream with your hands can get very messy and is so difficult to clean-up. This little tool makes things a lot easier.

Diaper Sacks– Got to love those odor-blocking trash bags for those dirty diaper changes when a garbage can isn’t accessible, such as in the car.

Hand Sanitizer – I received this sanitizing spray in a Target Baby Box and love that it keeps my hands soft and doesn’t dry them out.

Feeding

Bottles – The Philips Avent bottles have proven to be the best choice for us as far as comfort and colic prevention for Leo when feeding. When on-the-go, I prepare his bottles with filtered water before leaving the house and add scoops of formula when Leo is ready to feed.

Formula Dispensers – I tried a few of these, but found the Tommee Tippee dispensers to be absolute life-savers! (I would seriously recommend these to any formula-feeding mamas in the house.) They are the perfect size and hold up to (4) scoops of formula to make an 8 oz. bottle on-the-go or during nighttime feedings. They are also super easy to clean and the formula does not get stuck in the dispenser when preparing a feed as I have experienced with other brands.

Burp Cloths & Bibs – Unless you prefer a shirt stained with spit-up or drool at all times, burp cloths and bibs are a must. I love the Burpy Bibs from Aden & Anais that work as both a burp cloth and a bib. Another favorite are these super stylish bandana bibs. A set of these will match just about any of Leo’s outfits and will also come in handy once he starts teething and drooling non-stop.

Extra Accessories– I also carry an extra pacifier with a grip to keep it from getting misplaced and baby washcloths for quick clean-ups while in the car seat.

Additional Items & Non-Pictured Necessities

Outfits – I had my first incident as an unprepared new mama when Leo had his first blow-out during a playdate at the zoo. He pooped all over his socks, burp cloth (on my lap), and blanket. It was also a particular windy day and he was dressed in a single-layered onesie without a hat. (I know, I know – tragic.) Since then, I always make sure to have extra outfits on-hand to withstand any type of weather: a short-sleeved onesie, a long-sleeved onesie, an extra hat, extra socks, and a sleeper. I especially love these mesh organizing bags to separate the clean clothes from the dirty ones.

Portable Bedtime – There have been a few times where we have been out and about at a friend or family’s home past Leo’s bedtime. So, I make sure that I am prepared to do a quick bedtime routine wherever we are so as not to get too off track. I pack coconut oil or some sort of nighttime balm, a mild baby shampoo, a blanket, and a swaddle sleep-sack. We are still in the process of determining which products work best for Leo’s skin – so, I use sample products of balm and shampoo that vary.

Carrier – If you have been following me for quite a while, you know that I am a huge advocate of babywearing. My wrap always comes in handy and I rarely leave the house without it.

Mama Things – I also keep a mini-bag of “extras” that are moreso for me while I am out i.e. Motrin (…because, wine or caffeine headache + hungry, crying baby), chapstick, and hair ties.